Jonathan Saunders Circle Print Dress in Reds or Blues

It can be difficult to find a dress suitable for an eye catching day wear look, but I must admit I have been completely won over by these two brand new graphic print designs from Jonathan Saunders.

Each dress is available in either “reds” – warmer shades including red, pink, yellow and brown and “blues” – cooler shades including blue, green, brown and nude.

The dresses have a bold graphic design yet you still manage to wear the dress – the dress doesn’t wear you.

It falls to about knee length on most people and is a pull on fit – the fabric is nice and stretchy for a sleek look, and the long sleeves are both warm and flattering.

Bag and Shoes?

Although I’ve described this dress as day wear, it’s more than capable of making the transition to evening wear, so your choice of bag and shoes will depend on the occasion.

Diane Von Furstenberg Harper Connect Shoulder Bag

Daywear

For daywear, a sleek black shoulder tote and matching shoes will team well with either colour way. I rather like the new Harper Connect Shoulder Bag from Diane Von Furstenberg. It’s made from black suede with striking brushed gold hardware and features a contrast glossy lizard print leather insert to the flap over.

Ganni Fiona Suede Chelsea Boots

I would team them with the Ganni Fiona Suede Chelsea Boots which are classic black suede ankle boots. The platform sole makes them more comfortable for day long wear and their luxurious, preppy style would look great offset against the colours in the dresses.

Anya Hindmarch Flashing Lights Tiny Tim Micro Dancer Bag

Evenwear

For an evening look, you’ll be wanting to add sparkle, glitz and glamour. I’ve been won over by the quirky Anya Hindmarch Flashing Lights Tiny Tim Micro Dancer Bag pictured on the right. This bag is ideal for party girls who want to really celebrate when it’s party time. The reason? Well, the bag is embedded with hidden coloured fairy lights – yes, really! All you have to do is switch them on to make your look most illuminating!

Terry de Haviland Gold Margaux Wedges

Match the crinkle gold metallic leather of the Anya Hindmarch mini bag with the fabulous Terry De Havilland Margaux Wedges in gold. These shoes are ideal for a glamorous look and the gold hardware and swirl detail ensure that you remain one step ahead of the fashion pack. Also the wide platform sole makes them perfect for dancing the night away.

This look is a smart daywear / transitional look. The leopard print on the Just Cavalli dress adds glamour, the bright red of the Raoul Marilyn bag adds a focal point and the See by Chloé black ankle boots are a smart yet charming way to complete the look.

Just Cavalli Leopard Print and Black Dress

This Just Cavalli dress is a combination of a leopard print top with black accents on the inside of the sleeves and cuffs, teamed with a black pleated skirt.

The top of dress is made from a blended wool and modal fabric, with a contrast fabric for the skirt. It is drop waisted with long sleeves, and falls to above the knee. It simply pulls on to fit.

Raoul Marilyn Red Leather Bag

Raoul Marilyn Structured Red Shoulder Bag

When wearing more neutral or darker colours, it’s sometimes nice to have an accessory that acts as a focal point, like eye candy, to draw in the eye, and that’s exactly what this structured red Marilyn bag by the designer Raoul does.

The bag is both stylish and functional, with three interior compartments, three interior pockets (one of which is zip fastening) and it fastens with a shiny silver turnlock fastening on the front. The straps are long enough for you to carry the bag over your shoulder, or you can carry it in your hands or the crook of your elbow if you prefer.

See by Chloé Suede / Leather Ankle Boots

These boots are slick and are a different take on the standard black ankle boot, featuring a partly suede and partly leather upper. The forefoot is made from black leather, featuring pointed toes and a hint of an eye catching gleam is provided with the silver metal insert at the heel.

See by Chloe Black Leather and Suede Ankle Boots

These boots have a zip up fastening at the back and a mid height (10cm) block heel. They are comfortable and ideal for day long wear, yet step up to the mark when it’s time to party.

This look is a 24/7, day thro’ to evening look which has as its centre piece the lipstick red Vivienne Westwood Dahlia Dress, accompanied by the 3.1 Phillip Lim Bubble Quilted Clutch and the Sam Edelman Niland Platforms, both in black.

Red and black is a dramatic and eye catching combination, ideal for wearing when you don’t have a second chance to make a first impression.

Vivienne Westwood Dahlia Red Dress

This sleeveless, above the knee dress is made from a stretchy jersey fabric which has a draped neckline. In true Anglomania style, the hemline is asymmetrical. The dress features a v back – which is not so low that you can’t wear a bra – and has a concealed back zip fastening.

I like this dress because it’s one of those 24 hour dresses which is ideal for style mavens on the go.

3.1 Phillip Lim Black Bubble Quilt Clutch

3.1 Phillip Lim Black Bubble Quilt Clutch

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that clutches are solely for evening wear. This new clutch from 3.1 Phillip Lim, with its gorgeously tactile finish and discrete gold hardware, is an oversized style which is also great for day wear too. The clutch is 38cm wide and it also has a zip pocket inside.

The bubble wrap effect is just on the front of the clutch – the reverse is plain black leather and there is a slip handle on the back so you can carry the bag in this way if you choose. You can also fold the top of the clutch forwards (if you haven’t over filled it) to display the contrasting black leather against the bubble leather.

Sam Edelman Black Niland Platform Court Shoes

Sam Edelman Black Niland Platform Court Shoes

Sam Edelman has certainly become a popular shoe designer of late and the Niland is a classic style, which is frequently reintroduced, sometimes with variations to the colour or texture of the leather.

These shoes have a very high 5″ stiletto heel, which fortunately is mitigated by the equally impressive 1.5″ platform sole, so the shoes feel as though they just have 3.5″ heels. In a classic and timeless court style, Sam Edelman has added his signature originality by virtue of the the droplet shaped cut out detail at the toes, creating a more discrete version of a peep toe. Perhaps we should call it a glimpse toe!

For this cute day wear look, I’ve chosen a cute pink shift dress and a nude handbag and matching heels. The vivid pink dress takes centre stage, backed up ably by nude accessories which will also go well with other looks.

Although I’ve classified this as a daywear look, it would also make the transition to evening wear by teaming it with a smaller bag.

Goat Romeo Pink Keyhole Dress

This dress is a sleeveless, bright pink shift dress made by the celebrity favourite designer, Goat. The attraction is in the detail – the cute keyhole detail to the neckline, the almost not there cap sleeves and the luxury of the pure wool crepe fabric.

Red Valentino Nude Platform Shoes

Marc by Marc Jacobs Too Hot to Handle Nude Hobo

Sometimes it’s really nice to have a large handbag which you can easily fit all your things into, and the Marc by March Jacobs Too Hot to Handle Hobo (pictured below) fits the bill on every count.

With it’s nude leather finish and polished gold tone hardware, this hobo is delightfully spacious. All the designer credentials are in place – the brand plaque on the front and unusually for a hobo you have the option of two straps – a shorter leather top handle and a longer adjustable cross body strap. The bag has a magnetic fastening and three pockets, one of which is zip fastening.

Red Valentino Nude Platform Shoes

Who doesn’t need a pair of nude heels? With their wide platforms (3.5cm), high block heel (13cm) and cut out lattice detail to the upper, these Red Valentino platform court shoes are perfect for lengthening your legs. Not only can you wear them with dresses, but they also look good with trousers and jeans and the wide platform sole helps them to feel not quite as high as they look when you’re wearing them.